When safety Chris Crooms reported to the Ram locker room at Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday afternoon to have his ankles taped for practice, he was tapped on the shoulder. "They said the coaches wanted to see me, and my first thought was I was traded," Crooms said. "I started my goodbys with the guys." Crooms learned he had been dealt to Green Bay for an undisclosed draft choice. "I think it's great," Crooms said.

When safety Chris Crooms reported to the Ram locker room at Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday afternoon to have his ankles taped for practice, he was tapped on the shoulder. "They said the coaches wanted to see me, and my first thought was I was traded," Crooms said. "I started my goodbys with the guys." Crooms learned he had been dealt to Green Bay for an undisclosed draft choice. "I think it's great," Crooms said.

The Rams took a quantum leap in the draft Sunday, beginning their day by selecting Sean Gilbert, the centerpiece defensive lineman they have so long been missing, and clinching the move by agreeing to terms on a long-term contract with him before the night was done. The deal, believed to be worth more than $7 million over five seasons, including a signing bonus of about $3 million, is expected to be finalized and announced this week, possibly as soon as this morning, Ram sources said.

The Rams took a quantum leap in the draft Sunday, beginning their day by selecting Sean Gilbert, the centerpiece defensive lineman they have so long been missing, and clinching the move by agreeing to terms on a long-term contract with him before the night was done. The deal, believed to be worth more than $7 million over five seasons, including a signing bonus of about $3 million, is expected to be finalized and announced this week, possibly as soon as this morning, Ram sources said.

Ken O'Brien, whose shaky performance in the exhibition season hurt his chances of becoming Green Bay's backup quarterback, said Sunday he was released by the Packers. Others who told reporters of their release were running back Allen Pinkett, wide receiver Ron Lewis, linebacker Terry Crews and former Ram safety Chris Crooms. Crooms' release means the Rams will not get a reported 1994 fifth-round draft pick.

The Rams' biggest chore in the two weeks before their next game will be to find a way to replace strong safety Michael Stewart, who broke a bone in his left forearm Sunday and will be out for at least four weeks, probably longer. Stewart, who is scheduled to get a plate inserted into his forearm this week, played a key support role in the defense, often lining up as a linebacker when the team went to multiple-defensive back sets.

Running back Robert Delpino, unhappy with his 1992 salary of $325,000 after being voted the team's MVP last season, had not reported to camp by Tuesday evening, more than an hour after signed veterans were required to check in at UC Irvine. Delpino skipped last month's mini-camp in protest. "I haven't talked with him, so I really don't know what his situation is," Coach Chuck Knox said. "I need to talk with him."

The Rams have served notice: They might not outscore their opponents this season, but if a team records a touchdown against them, they will fight. The Chargers topped the Rams, 12-6, Saturday in a scrimmage at Cal State Fullerton before an estimated 4,000 fans, and after each of San Diego's touchdowns, a brawl broke out. "You can't have anybody come down to our practice facility and intimidate us," said Todd Lyght, Ram cornerback. "We're not going to be out-toughed by anybody."

Sean Gilbert, looming large and with his mother by his side, was on time for his press conference Monday at Rams Park, just hours after agreeing to the $7.2-million deal that ensures he will be on time to the Rams' training camp for the next five seasons.

Keith McAfee, Texas A&M running back, dashed toward the Brigham Young sideline Saturday night after the Holiday Bowl, laughing and waving his arms, imploring the Cougar players to stay around for the award ceremony. "Come on, ya'll, where are you going?" he said. "Stay around for your trophy. Don't be like that." The BYU players just glared at him and the rest of the Aggie players and kept on walking to the locker room.

U nconventional wisdom for a Wednesday morning . . . Marge Schott: To be rich, powerful, influential and stupid--does a more dangerous combination exist? Since no one's in charge of baseball anymore, no one knows how to deal with this mess, so the committee formed another committee Tuesday "to further investigate" before, presumably, another committee is formed to determine what penalty shall be handed down.